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Politics & Government

Rye City Council Endorses Children's Museum for Playland Development

Rye City Council included language supporting Westchester Children's Museum in a resolution passed Wednesday night stating its core values for the Playland development.

Rye council members passed a resolution supporting the inclusion of Westchester Children’s Museum in future development plans for Playland at Wednesday night’s meeting. Councilman Joseph Sack abstained from the vote.

The resolution identified five core values: that “any proposed use of the Playland site should be consistent with ensuring public use of and access to open space, Long Island Sound and facilities,” “sensitivity to environmental considerations and sustainability,” consideration of the site’s status as a National Historical Landmark, “demonstrated financial viability over the long term,” and design elements complementary to existing Rye ordinances.

While the primary goal of the resolution was to articulate the five “principles and values” identified by the Playland Strategic Planning Working group, the council decided it would be appropriate to also include a supportive statement in the resolution about the future of Westchester Children’s Museum and its proposed location in the North Bathhouse of Playland recreational park.

One sentence that included the phrase “Rye supports the establishment of Westchester Children’s Museum”  at the North Bathhouse was added to the resolution.

Charles Dorn, chairman of the strategic planning working group, warned the council against specifying the North Bathhouses in their statement of support for the museum.

Dorn said tying support for a children’s museum before the council saw potential options could lead to a dilemma, “that could leave the Council in the position of not supporting an otherwise desirable proposal.” Dorn said he feared other potentially feasible development proposals may be received by the County Executive Director’s office next week that would include the museum in its development plans, but not in the bath house location.

Councilman Sack decided to abstain from voting for the first time over the issue. Sack said the children’s museum is a good idea, but the council’s endorsement seemed premature.

“We’re unnecessarily handcuffing ourselves without seeing what else will come out,” said Sack.

Councilwoman Suzanna Keith disagreed. “Over the last five years, citizens have expressed support for the museum. I don’t think we’ve gone too far.”

Tracy Kay, executive director of the proposed Westchester Children’s Museum,  and trustee Lear Byer were both on hand to ask the council to use language in the resolution that specifically supported the development  of the Children’s Museum.

“We’re not looking to be part of a political battle,” said Kay while explaining the group’s history and desire to move to the next stage of development.

Kay said the not-for-profit had overcome a number of hurdles, including significant fundraising and a two-year alienation process before the state’s Legislature for access to the North Bathhouse location.

“We stand shovel-ready to go forward,” said Kay of the group’s preparation to quickly move into development mode if adopted.

Kay said Boston and Baltimore offered two good examples of childrens’ museum sites that effectively anchored larger public attractions by providing indoor space that drew audiences despite weather conditions beyond a single season. 

Councilwoman Catherine Parker congratulated Mayor Doug French and strategic planning committee chair Charles Dorn on their inclusion in County Executive Robert Astorino's advisory committee. The group will review and submit recommendations about development proposals for the Playland site.

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At its meeting, the council also upheld the decision to deny a FOIL request for public information from Timothy Chittenden, a former Rye police officer who is being sued by the Rye Police Association for allegedly stealing money from the organization. Corporate Counsel Kristen Wilson said information was redacted from documents requested by Chittenden because an ongoing investigation was involved.

At the next council meeting on March 16, there will be a public hearing on changes to residency requirements for membership to the Architectural Review Board. Under consideration will be allowing Rye residents who are not U.S. citizens to volunteer for service to the board and a possible reduction to five members.

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